Winter skincare tips from ‘The Skincare Answer Book’ by Dr. Jaishree Sharad

Winter is finally here and while many people enjoy the slight nip in the air, it is also important to take utmost care of one's health in this season-- including taking good care of their skin. The cold weather and the dry air can easily strip away moisture from our skin, leaving it vulnerable. And so, to hep you combact winter skin issue, in this article Audible shares expert skincare tips from ‘The Skincare Answer Book’ which is written by celebrity dermatologist Dr. Jaishree Sharad. In this excerpt, Dr. Jaishree Sharad delves into some easy ways to keep one's skin nourished and glowing especially in winters:

1. Understand the difference between dry and dehydrated skin
“Dry skin is genetically predetermined and depends on the number of oil glands in your skin. So, when the skin is dry, there is a lack of oil or sebum in your skin. Dehydrated skin, on the other hand, lacks water. The skin gets its water from its deeper layers as well as the environment. So, if you do not drink enough water, the skin tries to take its water from the environment.” To help counter this, Dr. Jaishree says, "It is important to hydrate your skin internally by drinking water as well as externally by applying a moisturizer." This dynamic dual routine forms a formidable shield, preserving your skin's softness and suppleness in the face of winter's aridity.
2. Choose the right moisturizer
Maintaining optimal skin hydration is a fundamental aspect of skincare, and choosing the right moisturizer plays a crucial role in achieving this balance. "Moisturizers are external agents that not only help increase the water content of the skin but also help prevent water loss from the skin," shares Dr. Jaishree. Selecting the right moisturizer is pivotal. “You can choose your moisturizer based on your skin type (dry, oily, combination or sensitive) and the climate. If you have oily skin, choose a water- or gel–based, non-comedogenic moisturizer. If you have dry skin, you need a cream-based moisturizer. If you have acne-prone skin, opt for a water-based moisturizer. If you have sensitive skin, you will need a moisturizer with minimal preservatives and no fragrance.” Prioritizing a careful selection of moisturizers tailored to your skin's specific needs is the cornerstone of an effective skincare routine.

3. Mind your skin's changing needs
Be attuned to your skin's fluctuations, especially during winter. Hormonal changes, environmental shifts, and ageing can alter your skin's behaviour. "Right after your period, your skin is at its best. It is neither dry nor oily. This is because there is a dip in the progesterone hormone and a rise in oestrogen in the follicular phase of your menstrual cycle. The follicular phase is followed by the ovulatory phase. This is when both oestrogen and progesterone are high. The next phase is the luteal phase, which occurs 10 to 12 days before your period, when the oestrogen dips and the progesterone rises, making the skin oilier and prone to acne.” Adapt your skincare routine to accommodate these changes, ensuring your skin receives the care it requires. If your skin peels in winter, and moisturizers are not helping heal it, “Use non-foamy soap-free cleansers. Avoid washing your face more than once or twice a day. Apply a skin repair cream which contains glycerine and ceramides, thrice a day. Use a mineral sunscreen; Avoid using all active serums till your skin heals. Take supplements of Vitamin E and Omega 3 fatty acids while avoiding exfoliation too.”

4. Haircare for the season
One’s scalp can get itchy during the winters; it is quite common. It could happen due to poor hygiene, dandruff, low temperatures, etc. Dr. Jaishree says, “Hair tends to get dry and frizzy during winter. Do not use hot water to wash your hair and use a good conditioner after every shampoo. Avoid blow-drying, ironing, and perming, as these will make the hair drier and brittle. Wear a cap or a scarf while travelling, to protect your hair from the sunlight, especially if you have colour-treated hair which can get lighter switch sun-exposure."
5. Advice for all skin types
Our skin has a mind of its own and it behaves differently in different climates and seasons. The external humidity and temperature play a huge role in dryness or oiliness of the skin; skin concerns change accordingly. Dr. Jaishree sheds light on the basic skincare routine that one should follow during the winter, “Avoid hot water showers and keep your baths short. The thought of a long, hot water bath on a cold winter day can be appealing but over-exposure to hot water can dry the skin out even more. It breaks down the lipid barrier in the skin which can lead to loss of moisture. Apply a moisturizing lotion to the entire body after bathing, on slightly moist skin to lock the moisture within the skin."

6. Repairing treatment
“Winter Sun can damage your skin, so apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen on the exposed parts of your face and skin. Use a lip balm or even ghee for your lips. Be careful not to lick your lips to prevent them from drying further. At bedtime, use a thick moisturizer that contains thick fatty acids, cholesterol, and ceramides to repair your skin,” says Dr Jaishree. Talking about remedies for cracked heels in winter, Dr. Jaishree recommends, “Use a thick moisturizer that contains ceramides, cocoa butter, and shea butter, during the day. Wear cotton socks as far as possible, especially at bedtime. Use a urea and squalane-based moisturizer at night and cover it with socks for better absorption. You can use a mild scrub to remove dead cells once a week.”